Vacuum cleaners are invaluable for keeping our homes clean and free of dust and debris. But did you know that they can be used for so much more than just vacuuming carpets? Here are 8 surprising uses for your vacuum cleaner that you may not have thought of.
Cleaning Blinds and Curtains
Over time, blinds and curtains inevitably collect dust and dirt. Rather than taking them down and washing them, simply vacuum them right where they hang! Use the soft brush attachment and run it over each slat or fold. The vacuum will suck up all the dust, dirt, and crumbs leaving them clean.
Eliminating Pet Hair
Pet hair can get everywhere, especially on furniture, carpets, and bedding. Vacuum upholstery, mattresses, pet beds, and anywhere else you find stray hairs. Use the crevice tool to get into tight spaces and corners. The strong suction will pull up all that fur right away.
Freshening Furniture and Carpets
To freshen up upholstered furniture or carpets between deep cleanings, sprinkle a little baking soda over the surface and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then vacuum it up – this will absorb odors and leave everything smelling fresh again.
Cleaning Computer Keyboards
Keyboards can get incredibly dusty and dirty over time. Turn the keyboard upside down and use a soft brush attachment to vacuum all around the keys. This gets rid of crumbs, skin cells, pet hair, and other debris to keep your keyboard clean.
Removing Dryer Lint
It’s important to clean out your dryer’s lint trap every time you do a load of laundry. But lint can also build up in the dryer duct and vent. Attach a flexible hose and use your vacuum to remove lint from these hard to reach areas.
Cleaning Baseboards
Baseboards tend to attract dust but are easy to forget when cleaning. Run your vacuum’s soft brush attachment or upholstery tool along the top and front of baseboards to clean away dirt and dust bunnies. Get into corners and crevices for a thorough clean.
Cleaning Electronics
Use the soft brush attachment to gently vacuum the exterior of computers, TVs, speakers, and other electronics. This removes dust buildup to keep your electronics working and looking their best. Be very careful not to vacuum any ports or openings.
Maintaining Air Vents and Ducts
Vacuum out air conditioning and heating vents to remove dust buildup that can impede proper airflow. Also insert the hose attachment into duct openings as far as possible and vacuum thoroughly inside. This improves efficiency and indoor air quality.
Your humble vacuum cleaner is clearly capable of so much more than just cleaning floors! Try some of these quick clever uses to get more out of your vacuum. Keep your home cleaner and enjoy the convenience of using one tool for so many tasks. With a little creativity, you may find even more surprising uses for your trusty vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surprising Uses for Vacuum Cleaners
Can I use my vacuum cleaner to clean my mattress?
Yes, you can use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum to clean your mattress. This helps remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and other debris that can build up in a mattress over time. Vacuum slowly across the entire surface, as well as crevices, tufts, and sides.
Is it safe to vacuum my computer or other electronics?
Vacuuming the exterior of electronics like computers, TVs, and speakers can be done safely with the soft brush attachment. Never vacuum ports, openings, or unsealed components. Avoid excessive pressure and only vacuum the surface to remove dust buildup gently.
How often should I vacuum my furniture?
It’s a good idea to vacuum upholstered furniture like couches and chairs about once a week to keep them free of dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Vacuum after heavy use or anytime you notice visible dirt building up. Frequent light vacuuming helps extend the life of furniture.
What’s the best way to vacuum curtains?
Use the soft brush attachment and run it slowly over curtains from top to bottom. Take care not to catch or tug the material. Vacuuming both sides of curtains every 2-3 months helps remove dust, allergens, and pollutants.
Can vacuuming ducts and vents really improve air quality?
Yes, regularly vacuuming out air ducts, vents, grills, and registers can greatly improve indoor air quality. Dust and debris in ductwork recirculates through your home. Vacuuming removes built-up allergens, dander, and more for better airflow.
Conclusion
With its strong suction and variety of useful attachments, your humble vacuum cleaner is ready to tackle so much more than carpets. From freshening mattresses to dusting blinds, baseboards, and electronics, put your vacuum to work all around your home. You’ll discover it’s one of the handiest tools for keeping every nook and cranny fresh, clean, and dust-free. With a little creativity, you can likely find even more uses for your trusty vacuum.